Explore Seattle: Capitol Hill

One of Seattle’s seven hills, Capitol Hill was named as an early candidate for Washington’s state capital. The original mansions once housed numerous city founders during the opulent turn-of-the-twentieth century. Visitors to the 1901 Alaska Yukon & Pacific Exposition beheld Seattle’s grandeur from atop Volunteer Park’s water tower. Today people still enjoy the park and its captivating panoramas.

Capitol Hill has several unique business districts full of trendy cafés, bars, restaurants featuring an eclectic array of ethnic food and beverage. You’ll also find unique stores with a variety of specialty items. Historic churches, museums, colleges, theaters and nightclubs add to the vibrant vibe of this energetic urban neighborhood.

Ultimately, the Capitol Hill neighborhood is a cultural crossroads, mixing youth, senior citizens, artists and professionals. “The Hill” is also the historic hub of Seattle’s LGBT community. Light rail service between the University of Washington and Downtown via Capitol Hill is slated to begin in 2016.